Munro · Central Highlands
Mullach Fraoch-choire
Mullach Fraoch-choire — "summit of the heathery corrie" — is the 1102m Munro north of A' Chralaig, the second peak on the rolling ridge between Glen Cluanie and Glen Affric. The summit carries a stone windshelter on a small rocky platform, with the unusual feature of a series of small pinnacles along the connecting ridge to A' Chralaig — one of the more interesting traverses in the area. Almost always done in tandem with A' Chralaig from the Cluanie Inn.
Gaelic: “summit, corrie” · Pronunciation: mull-ach fraoch chor-a
Quick facts
- Height
- 1100.9m/ 3612ft
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 969 m
- Time
- 7–10 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH094171
- Parking
- NH090118
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Cluanie approach path 25% · Open hillside 35% · Summit ridge 40%
The standard line is from the Cluanie Inn lay-by on the A87, climbing A' Chralaig first via its north-east ridge then continuing north along the connecting ridge over the pinnacles to Mullach Fraoch-choire. Descent reverses the line, or extends down the An Caorann Mor path back to the road. Around 18km return with 969m of ascent for the pair.
Terrain
The A' Chralaig climb starts pathless from the A87 on steep grass. The connecting ridge has a series of small rocky pinnacles that can be scrambled or bypassed on the west side — Grade 1 if taken direct. The summit area is a windshelter on a small platform; the ground is short grass with rocky outcrops.
In winter
A serious winter ridge. The pinnacles become a Grade I winter scramble with cornicing on the east side. Avalanche risk on the east-facing slopes after westerly storms. The A87 itself is reliably gritted; the lay-by tends to ice. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
This hill is in the Creag Meagaidh SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 4m
- Edinburgh4h 32m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m at Loch Cluanie. Cluanie Inn has reasonable signal. Download maps before setting off.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 22:11
- Civil dawn
- 03:22
- Civil dusk
- 23:16
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Mullach Fraoch-choire.
Around Mullach Fraoch-choire on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Mullach Fraoch-choire — common questions
- How hard is Mullach Fraoch-choire?
- Mullach Fraoch-choire is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 18km with 969m of ascent and takes most walkers 7-10 hours. Terrain: The A' Chralaig climb starts pathless from the A87 on steep grass.
- Where do I park for Mullach Fraoch-choire?
- Standard parking is at NH090118 near Fort William. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Mullach Fraoch-choire?
- The standard good-weather months for Mullach Fraoch-choire are May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Mullach Fraoch-choire?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Mullach Fraoch-choire?
- No signal above 700m at Loch Cluanie. Cluanie Inn has reasonable signal. Download maps before setting off.
- Is Mullach Fraoch-choire safe in winter?
- A serious winter ridge. The pinnacles become a Grade I winter scramble with cornicing on the east side. Avalanche risk on the east-facing slopes after westerly storms. The A87 itself is reliably gritted; the lay-by tends to ice. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
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